Commentary on "Divine Provision for Anxiety""

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 5: Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - Of Sparrows and Lilies

 

Overview

Today we are looking at a portion of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matt. 6:25-33.

 

Observations

The lesson brings out some good points which are to be found in today’s passage. However, the theme of Jesus’ message is not really centered on our fears and anxieties. For starters, notice the word ‘therefore’ in verse 25. This is a hint that we should back up to at least the previous verse and see what came before.

Earlier in this chapter we find the Lord’s Prayer recorded. When we come to verse 19 we are told to not lay up our treasures on earth. Instead, put them in heaven where they can never be lost. Now, let’s look at the key verse of the whole chapter where Jesus says you are either for God or against God. You cannot be nor do both:

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matt 6:24 ESV)

This is what the ‘therefore’ in verse 25 is referring to. Verses 25 through 32 simply point out the failure of the world’s system. If the world is where you place your treasures you have real reason to be fearful and be filled with anxiety. Therefore, we move on and come to verse 33:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matt 6:33 ESV)

Here Jesus is saying our most important priority should be to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness. This is now, before any treasures can be laid up in heaven or we do anything else. Remember, we are either of the world or we are in God’s kingdom. We cannot be both.

 

Summary

1. Important as understanding God’s perspective concerning the importance of our emotions of fear and anxiety related to our present day needs, this is not the central focus of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
2. Jesus assures us that the Father knows and will provide for all our needs. The unspoken implication is that we have many needs fulfilled by God that we are not even aware of.
3. Jesus declares that we cannot be of the world and be in the kingdom of God at the same time.
4. The issue of our salvation is of critical importance. Before any of us do anything else, we need to seek and join the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

 

GO TO DAY 6

 

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